During the hot days and humid nights of summer it’s nice to have air conditioning in your home. Whether you have a window unit or use a central system, simple steps you take make your air conditioning run smoother and more efficiently.

First, do you know the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) or SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of your unit or model? The higher the rating the less electricity the unit will use to cool the same amount of air. You?ll save money in the long run using an energy efficient model.

EER for Room or Window Units

National appliance standards require room air conditioners built after January 1, 1990 to have an EER of 8.0 or greater. Select a room air conditioner with an EER of at least 9.0 if you live in a mild climate. If you live in a hot climate, select one with an EER over 10.

SEER for Central Systems

National minimum standards for central air conditioners require a SEER of 9.7 and 10.0, for single-package and split-systems, respectively. But you do not need to settle for the minimum standard. There are units with SEERs reaching nearly 17.

Source: US Department of Energy

Basic Maintenance

If you need to make repairs clean a room unit, make sure you shut off the electricity to the unit before you make any repairs. You’ll need to replace the air filter every spring and monthly during the cooling season. It’s important to do this to keep it running efficiently.

Cover your air conditioner during the cold months to cut down on drafts and prevent weather damage.

Check the space around your window unit. If needed, remove cracked caulk and reseal.

Don’t run your air conditioner when the outside temperature falls below 70 degrees.

Help the efficiency of your air conditioning by sealing leaks and closing windows and doors.

Keep the coil fins clean and straight. Bent and dirty coils reduce air flow which reduces cooling capacity.

Don’t attempt to do more than basic maintenance on your unit if you’re not trained to do so. Air conditioners are complicated pieces of machinery. Consult a professional for maintenance items like checking the refrigerant level, electrical components and the fan motor.

Stay cool this summer and keep money in your pocket by choosing energy efficient models and maintaining a clean unit.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

New manufactured homes are available in an amazing variety of styles, sizes and floor plans. It’s no wonder they are an affordable housing choice for nearly 20 million Americans. If you are thinking about buying a new manufactured home, here are a few good tips to help you make this important personal and financial commitment.

Defining what you want

Make a list of your priorities before you begin to shop around. What size, price and type of home do I want? Where do I want the home to be located? What features are absolutely necessary? Will I consider extra features that would be nice to have, but not essential?

• Size, price and type: The most common and economical choice is a single section home with about 1,000 square feet of living space. Average cost for a single section home is around $24,000. Double-section homes are larger at around 1,600 square feet of living space with a selling price of about $43,000. These prices can vary depending on what part of the country you’re in.
• Home locations: There is a wide choice of home locations. You can place your new manufactured home in a rental community, on private land or a planned subdivision. See “Choosing the Right Location” for detailed information.
• Features: New manufactured home interiors include a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, one or two bathrooms, two or more bedrooms, family room and utility area. Exterior designs can be standard or customized to your specifications.
• Extras: Although not essential, you may want to consider features such as built-in stereos (including surround sound systems), appliances, custom cabinets, walk-in closets, bathrooms with recessed tubs, wood burning fireplaces and hip roofs. Since most manufacturers use computer-assisted design, you have a lot of flexibility in choosing floor plans and décor.
• Variety and flexibility: Some manufacturers have many, many floor plans to choose from. Find one with a lot of variety. You may be able to move an interior non-load bearing wall a few inches, but major changes most likely can’t be accommodated in the factory assembly line construction.

Shopping around

After you decide on the community where you’d like to live and have an idea of how much house you can afford, it’s time to go shopping. Begin your search by visiting a manufactured home retail sales center. Some manufactured home sales centers are independently owned, while others are owned and operated by a manufacturer. Contact your state manufactured housing association for the names and addresses of retailers and manufacturers in your area.

• Visit several retail sales centers and spend time looking at homes, comparing models and prices. To make your comparisons easier, keep a written “scorecard” listing the features of each home.
• Talk with each retailer you visit and ask questions about the home’s floor plan, style, features, construction, delivery, installation and warranty coverage.
• It’s important to choose your retailer carefully. Ask for names and addresses of former customers to contact regarding their homes and after-sale service.
• Check with your local Better Business Bureau, or state and local consumer protection agencies to find out if the manufactured home retailer has any unresolved consumer complaints on file.

Looking at construction

All of today’s manufactured homes meet the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD) Code for design, construction, strength, durability, transportability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. In addition to receiving this guarantee, you should look for the following exterior and interior features to increase the value, durability and quality of your home.

• Choose a shingled roof over a metal roof and make sure it hangs over the edge of the home and is properly ventilated. This may cost a little more, but is well worth the investment.
• Look for a home with vinyl siding because metal or hardboard siding tends to have more water problems than vinyl. Also, make sure the home has 8 feet exterior walls and 7-1/2 feet interior walls to provide higher ceilings and standard-height doorways (although many new homes now have 8′ interior wall heights and cathedral ceilings).
• Double-hung and sliding windows are two common types of windows offered in manufactured homes. If possible, select insulated windows with vinyl frames to prevent air and water leaks.
• Be sure the home’s cooling/heating system is appropriate for the climate in your area. Homes in cold climates should have air outlets placed low around the edges of rooms, while hot climate homes should have air outlets in the ceiling.
• Upgrade to plumbing fixtures made of heavy reinforced plastic or porcelain covered steel. It’s a good idea to ask for a shutoff valve at each kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixture.
• Ask about wall stud thickness and floor joist thickness. Typically 2×4 wall studs and 2×6 floor joists. But homes are regularly built with 2×6 studs and up to 2×12 joists. Thicker framing material means more room for insulation.
• Before you buy: Find a manufacturer you like, and if possible, take a plant tour to see how the homes are built. You’ll get a fresh perspective and appreciation for how your home will be built.

Get it in writing

There are several documents to look over carefully before you buy your new manufactured home. Ask for a copy of all documents you will be asked to sign. Read them at your own pace, ahead of time, so that you will understand the questions you will be asked, the things you need to know and the decisions you will need to make.

• Getting the best price will take some legwork and some homework. Start by asking for a firm price from several retailers or manufacturers. Prices on the same home can vary widely.
• Check prices on retailer and manufacturer Web sites. Go to the library and check appraisal guides for a similar make and model from the previous year.
• Comparison shop for different brands and models. Get a firm price for each home you are considering. Never put money down without a firm price.
• Look at the big picture and buy the home based on its actual price, not the monthly payment.
• Buy the home that fits your budget and keep the term of the loan to the shortest reasonable time period.
• If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for offers of no money down, low interest rates and free options.
• Don’t accept financing terms or conditions that can be changed in the future, and be prepared to stop the transaction if you don’t fully understand it.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

Regular maintenance will keep your siding looking new and lasting longer. Why is it so important to regularly maintain your siding? Like the skin on your body, there are two main purposes that siding fulfills: appearance and protection. It protects your home against natural elements and pests, adds stability to the frame of your home, helps insulate and it also adds character to the outside of the home.

Although there are several different types of siding you can choose from for manufactured homes, the three most popular include metal siding, like aluminum or steel, vinyl siding or a natural wood siding. And each kind of material needs to be maintained differently.

Washing

Give your home a good washing for a fresh new look.

Note: Don’t wash wood siding. Heavy exposure to water might result in decay, chipping, bowed or expanded panels, disintegration or shrinkage. Read below to learn about proper maintenance for wood siding.

• Make sure you close all the windows, doors and vents.
• Cover anything on the house you don’t want to get wet. Use plastic bags and tarps with duct tape to cover bushes, outdoor furniture and light fixtures.
• Attach a soft car-washing brush to your garden hose and wash off the dirt.
• Remove tree sap and any other stubborn stains. First soak the sap with raw linseed oil, mineral spirits, or auto bug and tar remover. Let stand until soft. Wipe with a clean cloth.
• You can use household detergent to clean the siding or purchase a cleaning compound specifically for your siding material. Several varieties are available at manufactured home supply stores.
• Wash your siding from top to bottom to keep the lower area wet, preventing detergent lines.
• Rinse off the cleaner. Attach a spray nozzle to your hose to increase water pressure
• Dry the siding with a towel from the top down.

Vinyl Siding

• Don’t rely on a rainstorm to keep your siding clean. Give it a good cleaning at least once a year to keep sediment and grime off its surface.
• Replace any damaged panels. New panels are quick and easy to install.
• If your vinyl siding has a wood grain or pebble finish, it will hold dirt and require more frequent washing.
• If you do not have rain gutters, your house will need more frequent cleaning.
• Rubbing compound scratches vinyl surfaces.
• Vinyl siding is brittle in very cold weather. Be careful not to hit or strike it, or it might shatter.

Keep grills from vinyl. Exposing the vinyl to intense heat will melt the siding.

You might think that a paint job would be an inexpensive and easy solution to make faded vinyl siding look like new again. But paint does not hold well to vinyl’s surface because it continuously changes with the weather. Vinyl soaks up heat causing expansion and contraction as temperatures rise and fall. Instead of a short-term painting job, consider replacing your siding altogether. Check with a several retailers to see the variety of colors and textures to choose from. Ask them about lifetime warranties or guarantees that they offer.

Wood Siding

Cedar, Cypress and Redwood sidings are popular siding choices that offer natural beauty to the outside of a home. But wood siding requires more upkeep than most siding because of its natural surface. With regular maintenance and care, you can prevent damage and keep your wood siding looking beautiful for several years.

• Caulk any joints, holes or cracks with a paint-able caulk. Seal the bottom of the panels and any chips.
• Paint or stain the wood every four years. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see what kind of paint or stain works best with the wood on your home.
• Keep an eye out for critters. Birds, insects and rodents love to make a home or a meal out of wood siding.
• Keep sprinklers away from the home. Heavy exposure to water might result in decay, chipping, bowed or expanded panels, disintegration or shrinkage. Wood siding resides best in dry regions
• Check the paint for flaking and re-cover any exposed surface.

Aluminum Siding

Keep aluminum siding looking like new with a regular cleaning every six months to prevent oxidation and/or corrosion over time. For metal siding, oxidation and corrosion are common problems that wear and tear at the outside of your home. Taking care of these problems as soon as they occur could save you from having to replace your siding altogether.

Corrosion

Corroded areas leave dark spots on the siding. These are caused by moisture being exposed to the metal surface for extended periods. Check for rust-colored stains in places that tend to stay wet longer, such as under eaves or recessed entryways. If you find corroded areas, be sure to get rid of the spots before they spread further. For both aluminum and steel siding, sand out the corrosion blisters down to the bare metal, then spot prime with an anti-rust primer.

Oxidation

Oxidation leaves a white chalky film on the siding that can dull the exterior of your home. Keep your siding clean to prevent oxidation from forming. If your siding looks faded from oxidation, contact a professional manufactured home washer. A professional can clean your house in less than an hour with high-pressure hoses.

Scatches

Keep a minor scratch on your metal siding from becoming a major problem.

• Lightly rub the scratched area with a fine rubbing compound. This will remove dirt, grease and loose paint.
• Rinse with water and dry.
• Cover larger areas with a primer coat to improve to help prevent the formation of rust. Allow to dry.
• Use a small brush and cover the scratch with touch-up paint. Apply as many layers of paint as you need to make the scratch less noticeable. Allow drying time between coats, and allow two weeks for the paint to completely harden.
• Use a fine polishing compound to blend the area into the surrounding paint. Apply a coat of oil-based wax to the entire area.

Painting Metal Siding

Apply a fresh coat of paint to the siding of your home to keep it looking like new. If you need to paint just one panel, consider taking that panel to an auto body shop to be painted. They should be able to match the color. If you plan to paint the whole exterior of the home and want to tackle the project yourself, wait for a calm and overcast day to paint. Paint needs to dry slowly and the sunlight and wind will only speed up the drying process.

Prepare to paint:

• Thoroughly wash the exterior of your home
• Repair any dents.
• Caulk any cracks or holes along the panels, around corners or around windows with a paint-able caulk.
• Cover everything you don’t want painted (windows, doors, the roof, etc.) with newspapers, drop cloths, tarps or masking tape. It’s much easier to cover these areas beforehand than to remove paint later.

Before you’re ready to apply an oil-based metal paint primer, the siding needs to be completely dry. Mix one gallon of the oil-based paint primer with one pint of paint thinner. Tint the primer to a lighter shade of the paint color you choose. The primer will help the new paint adhere to the surface and provide an extra color coat. Let the primer dry completely before adding the next coat of paint.

Use an acrylic-based, latex exterior house paint over the primer. A high volume of acrylic resin in the paint will make the paint job last longer. Invest in premium paint, brushes and roller covers. Bargain paint is no bargain if you’re looking for better coverage, longer wear and a more washable surface.

How much paint do I purchase?

To compute the amount of paint needed, multiply the height of the house times the entire perimeter. Do not subtract for windows because this area will roughly equal the trim, eaves and soffits. Divide the total square footage by the number of square feet per gallon cited on the label of the paint.

Need  quote on Mobile Home Insurance. Get to start a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

Many features found in new manufactured homes can be found in pre-owned homes, usually at a substantial savings. Although most preowned homes are a good bargain, you can make a better buying decision if you know where to look, what to look for and what to be cautious about.

Check the neighborhood

An established, well maintained home in a manufactured home community or on private land is often a real value. Since a home’s location is as important as the home itself, you should carefully consider the neighborhood and surrounding area before you buy a home.

If you are looking for a preowned home in a rental community, check out the neighborhood before you check out the home. Drive around to see if the community has a neat, pleasant appearance and if most of the homes are well maintained. Does it seem secure and friendly? Is the location close to work, schools, shopping centers and churches?

Visit the rental community office and ask the manager about monthly fees and what kind of approval is required for residence. Are there rules and regulations concerning children or pets? What services and amenities are offered? How many homes are listed for sale in the community?

Preowned manufactured homes located on private property can also represent an excellent housing value. In some ways a preowned home on private land is easier to buy and move into than a new home. The practical matters of getting permits and installing the manufactured home have already been taken care of.

But as a prospective buyer, it’s wise to take time to check with building officials or the local planning department to ask about up-to-date zoning laws, restrictions, water, utilities and sewerage hookups.

For example, have any recent restrictions been placed on the property or size of the home? Did zoning requirements change since the home was placed on the property? Are there any new circumstances that might affect the sale of a preowned manufactured home?

Where to look

Searching for your preowned manufactured home is exciting, but can also be time consuming and frustrating. Knowing where look for the best deal can smooth out the search and help you make a good decision. Although there are many good ways to find and buy a preowned manufactured home, here are a few suggestions:

• Visit a retailer in your area who can sell you a home from their existing preowned inventory.
• Some retailers also broker preowned homes. Brokering simply means the homeowner and retailer enter into an agreement where the retailer tries to sell the home according to the seller’s conditions. In this case the retailer handles all negotiations between the seller and potential buyer.
• You can also buy a preowned manufactured home from a private owner through direct negotiation. In this case, make sure the home can remain on the site after the sale.
• Check office bulletin boards in manufactured home rental communities for homes for sale by owner.
• Contact local real estate agents who include manufactured housing in their listings.
• Look in the classified section of your newspaper for preowned manufactured homes. The listing may be under mobile homes for sale.
• Use the Internet to check out manufactured home retailer Web sites.

What to look for

Shop around for the right home at the right price. Compare quality, costs, design, interior and exterior features. But don’t be fooled by appearances. Look past the floor plan and furnishings and concentrate on how the home is built. Structural integrity is the most important factor to consider when buying a preowned home.

Virtually every preowned home needs some repair or improvement, but you will want to know about any major defects and what it will take to fix them. Use the following checklist to help you find potential problem areas.

• Are there any gaps around the windows or spaces in the corners or at the seams of the home where it joins together?
• Are there any ceiling or wall leaks or stains?
• Is the insulation under the home wet or sagging?
• Does the floor squeak or sag under your feet?
• Do all the wall switches work properly? Check electrical outlets with a circuit tester. Check smoke detectors.
• Does each window and door open and close easily? Do you see any broken hinges, knobs, closers or other hardware? Are there any cracks in the glass? Are the windows insulated?
• Is the heating and cooling system in good condition? Turn it on and check air coming from vents or registers. Pull one of the registers and look at the duct work to see how clean it is (this is important if registers are in the middle of the room, often on older homes).
• How well does the plumbing work? Flush the toilet in each bathroom, run all faucets and outside hose connectors.
• What kind of roof is on the home? A metal roof on older manufactured homes can leak if not properly sealed. A shingled roof is a better choice.
• Is the exterior siding vinyl, metal or hardboard? Metal siding can buckle and hardboard tends to have more water problems than vinyl.
• Does the home’s skirting need repair? Are the tie-downs or anchoring devices secure?
• How old is the water heater? What kind of water supply? Sewer system or septic system?

What to be cautious about

After you have inspected the preowned home carefully, ask the seller to give you a written promise that all major systems are in good working order and that there are no substantial defects with the home. Never rely on oral promises from the seller or sales person – get it in writing.

Review the purchase agreement and financing terms with caution. Do not leave any blank spaces on the contract. Before you sign an agreement of sale, you might consider asking an attorney to look it over and tell you if it protects your interests.

If your home will be located in a manufactured home community, ask for written documents, such as rental agreements, maintenance agreements, rules, regulations and restrictions before signing a lease.

Most preowned manufactured homes do not carry any warranty from the retailer or manufacturer. If the private seller or broker says one exists, ask to see the terms. In case you are considering a home that is still in the one-year new warranty period, be sure to check the owner’s manual. In some cases, the warranty does not continue if there is a change in ownership.

Be sure there is a separate title document for each section of the home – one for a single section home and two documents for a double section home. Check to see if the title shows the correct model year. If you paid for the home in full you will receive the title. If there is a loan on your home, the lender will receive the title, and hold it until the lien amount has been paid.

Get the best price

Set aside ample time to look at a variety of preowned manufactured homes before you make a buying decision. By comparing similar homes in the area you will be better able to spot a bargain as well as a home that is overpriced.

• Negotiate with the seller. The listing price is what the seller would like to receive but is not necessarily what they will settle for.
• Before making an offer, check prices of similar homes in the neighborhood to see if the seller’s asking price is reasonable.
• Explore several sources of financing for your home in addition to retailer financing. It pays to shop for financing since your loan can range from 15 to 30 years depending on the home’s age and location.
• Once you find a finance plan that you think fits your budget be sure you understand all the terms and what your costs will be.
• Keep the term of your loan to the shortest reasonable time period and do not accept financing terms or conditions that can be changed in the future.
• Your offer should include a financing contingency that makes the sale dependent on your ability to obtain a loan commitment from a lender. The purchase contract should include the seller’s responsibilities, such as any agreed upon repairs to the home.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

Selling your manufactured home is easier than you may think, although it does require more effort than just putting a “For Sale” sign in the window. Proper planning and preparation for the sale, choosing a sales agent, determining the price and marketing your home should all be carefully taken into consideration.

Here are some ways you can help make your home attractive to buyers, competitive with other manufactured homes in your community and priced right for a quick and profitable sale.

Create a good first impression

House hunters look at dozens of homes that fit their needs, so you’ll want to make your house stand out in the crowd. Sometimes all it takes to separate your manufactured home from the competition is freshening it up with paint, removing clutter and giving every room a good cleaning.

• Spiff up the outside. Paint the front door, clean up oil spills in driveway, wash windows, conceal garbage cans, remove any yard debris and put a couple of pots of blooming flowers on the porch.
• Coat the roof, if it’s galvanized, for appearance and for good maintenance.
• No matter what season of the year, it’s important that the outside of your home looks good. In summer, mow, edge and fertilize the lawn. Trim shrubs. Get rid of weeds and lawn pests. In autumn, rake the leaves and in winter make sure to shovel the walkways and driveway.
• Quickly update your home’s interior with light, neutral colors for paint and wallpaper.
• Clean carpeting or replace with a neutral colored carpet.
• Get rid of ugly clutter like piles of old magazines or newspapers. Look over each room with a critical eye and consider removing some pieces of excess furniture to help make rooms look larger.
• In the kitchen, clear counters, add a cheery curtain or a plant, clean stove and oven, fix dripping faucets and replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Scrub the bathrooms thoroughly. Replace shower curtain, freshen grout or caulk around the tub, change the toilet seat and remove personal items. Display your best towels, bath rugs and mats.
• Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains help create attractive bedrooms. Clean out and organize closets in bedrooms so they look more spacious. This is also a good time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.
• Check cabinets and closet doors to make sure they open and close smoothly. If cabinets and doors stick, they will probably stick in your prospective buyer’s mind.
• Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how clean, light and cheery your home is.

Choosing a sales agent

Plan to interview two or three sales representatives before you decide on one. You will be asked to sign a contract giving your sales representative exclusive rights to handle the sale for an agreed on period of time. This is reasonable. The salesman must pay for license and bond; advertise; publish listings on a Web site; possibly publish the listing in real estate/homes for sale publications and devote time to showing your manufactured home to prospects.

Ask how much experience the salesperson has selling manufactured homes. Ask for references from previous and current sellers. Ask what the marketing plan is for your property. Where, when and how often will your home be advertised? Will it be advertised on a Web site? When does the sales representative plan to hold an Open House? How much sales commission is being asked? Can the commission be negotiated?

In some communities, park salesmen handle the resale of homes. Parks have rules governing the placing of “For Sale” signs. Some parks mandate that “For Sale” signs be inside the home in a window. The park often controls the flow of prospective buyers, so a park sales representative is often a better choice than outside sales representatives.

If you are considering using the park’s sales representative, ask how many pre-owned home sales the park handled last year. What was the average length of time it took to sell those homes? Will they advertise your property? Place it on a Web site? Share commission with an outside firm?

Be aware that some sales representatives will not handle low-priced, older manufactured homes because the profit margin is too small. Some real estate companies prefer to handle only homes in senior communities.

Selling by owner

Is this method for you? If you’ve never offered a home “For Sale By Owner” you may find it can be a real challenge. Selling a home yourself takes a lot more energy and commitment on your part than listing it with an agent.

Although selling by owner saves money on commission fees, you will still need to pay for advertising and other selling expenses. Be prepared to see the transaction through all the paperwork, such as preparing a proper sales contract to final closing.

If you live in a manufactured home community check to make sure your home can remain on the leased lot before you offer it for sale as a package. If your home is located on private land you can sell it by direct negotiation with the buyer or by hiring a licensed sales representative working through a licensed real estate broker.

Another way to sell your manufactured home is to advertise with one of the online manufactured home marketplaces. There are several Internet sites that put sellers and buyers together on a state-by-state, city-by-city basis. Advertising rates are usually reasonable and some of these sites guarantee that your ad will run until you sell your home.

A word of caution – laws vary from state to state. It’s best to ask an attorney to look over the agreement of sale before you sign it. Unless you own your home outright, be sure to call your finance company and ask for the current payoff amount before offering your home for sale by owner.

Determining the price

Everyone wants top dollar when they sell their home, but it’s best to be realistic in pricing. Either you or your sales agent should do a study of comparable homes for sale in your community. Here are some of the factors that can help you determine the sales price:

• Age: The older the manufactured home, the harder it is to price. Older homes are also more difficult to finance.
• The Manufacturer: Sales agents categorize manufacturers as first tier or second tier for pricing purposes.
• Condition: What is the condition of your home inside and out? What will it take to bring the home to top quality? What is the square footage? How many bedrooms, how many baths? What kind of lot – lake view, golf view? What improvements have you made?
• Shortcomings: Are there problems with the roof or appliances? How old is the air conditioner/furnace, water heater, etc.?
• Lot rental cost: What will the community or park charge when the lease comes up for renewal? The amount will probably be more than you are paying now. Check with park management and ask if there will be a cost increase.
• Inspections: Most buyers will hire an inspector to go over your home from the roof to the crawl space. Be prepared to negotiate the selling price after the inspection.
• When were your home’s tie-downs last inspected or repaired? Can you provide the buyer with a tie-down inspection certificate?
• The Community: Is the community designed for senior citizens or families? What amenities and services are offered? How many homes are for sale? Is the park fully developed or are new homes being sold?

Marketing your home

Knowing how to market your home is essential if you are selling it yourself, but it’s also helpful if you are working with a real estate agent. The best marketing tools for selling your manufactured home are not complicated or expensive. Here are examples of simple marketing tools to get you started:

• An inexpensive “For Sale” sign is your number one marketing tool. Make sure the sign is big enough for passersby to read easily, and includes your phone number. Many sellers like to add “Shown By Appointment Only” on the sign.
• Advertise in the classified section of large regional newspapers and smaller local papers. Since newspapers place ads alphabetically, try to begin your ad with the letter A. Start with words like affordable, available, added value or absolutely beautiful.
• Network in your neighborhood. Let people in your community know that your home is for sale. Post a “For Sale By Owner” announcement in community newsletters and bulletin boards.
• Prepare a flyer with your home’s features and benefits. The purpose of this kind of flyer is to give quick facts and help buyers remember your property when they leave. It should be clear, brief and include the address, price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Internet advertising is a good choice for anyone with computer access because of the tremendous exposure it can provide. Add pictures to your online ad so buyers can see your home easily. There are several Internet resources for selling or buying a manufactured home.
• Hold an open house. Have information flyers ready to pass out. When buyers come through, let them look around without you. Tell them you’re available to answer questions. Keep a written log with name and phone number for each potential buyer who attends the open house. Follow up in a day or two to see if they are interested.

The legal stuff

Friendly discussion and negotiation about price is useful, but nothing is binding until the offer is in writing. It’s best for a real estate agent or real estate attorney to provide and prepare the buy/sell agreement and all other necessary documents.

At the closing the purchase price is paid to the seller. Out of this amount are taken the realtor or attorney fees, taxes due, any money still owned on the manufactured home and the cost of title insurance if required. With a little luck, you’ll walk out with a check in your hand and smile on your face.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

Do you remember when you were young and had to check under your bed for monsters before you could go to sleep? I sure do! Because of my hyperactive imagination and the poor decision to watch one too many cheesy 80s horror movies, I was absolutely terrified of monsters when I was a kid. Every night I would thoroughly inspect all of the best hiding places in my room before I reluctantly switched off the light and frantically dashed for my bed, fully expecting to be ambushed by a mob of gremlins as soon as everything was dark. I certainly didn’t want any mischievous little critters to snack on one of my exposed limbs as I slept, so I wrapped myself in a cocoon of blankets as an extra precaution.

The slightest noise would make my heart race with fear and my mind travel to nightmarish situations. Peace of mind wouldn’t arrive until I had finally drifted off to sleep.

Now that I am an adult who is fairly confident that there are no monsters under my bed, I have a more important question to ask: What’s lurking below your mobile home? The answer probably isn’t monsters, but here are three things that you may find:

Animals

Mice, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, insects and other critters may invade the space below your mobile home and cause messes, loud noises, bothersome odors and other damages. Keeping your trash and recycle bins tightly closed and making a point to keep the underside of your home clean of trash and debris are good strategies for keeping otherwise curious animals away. It also helps to keep bird feeders a good distance from your home, as they attract pesky squirrels and raccoons. According to SFGate, sprinkling chili or habanero flakes in the dirt around your home is an effective way to repel many animals. But if you do end up finding an animal under your home, don’t try to remove it yourself. Instead, call your local animal control service−they can help you find a safe solution.

Water

If there is an abundance of clay in the soil around your home or if your yard is not graded well, any water that collects under your home may not be able to drain properly. Rainfall and even plumbing leaks can lead to excess moisture, and if you don’t act quickly to fix this problem, your home could become musty and moldy. My Mobile Home Makeover suggests addressing the issue of pooling rain water by stapling plastic sheeting to the bottom frames of skirting so that any water that collects will be absorbed beneath the plastic and will not damage the bottom of your home. You can also install gutters to prevent rain water from pooling underneath or around your home.

Holes

It never hurts to thoroughly inspect the bottom of your mobile home for holes. Gaps, tears and open spaces enable animals to sneak in and make your home their own. Holes could also expose water pipes and wires, which could easily be damaged by outside elements. If you find holes in the polyethylene belly wrap below your home, SFGate suggests stuffing fiberglass insulation into the space before patching it. Additionally, cleaning the area around the hole will make the patch stick more effectively. Lastly, if you plan to file a claim with your insurance company, be sure to take photos of the holes and other damages and keep careful records of your receipts and invoices related to any mobile home underbelly repairing projects.

Routinely checking under your mobile home for animals, water and holes will help you stay aware of potentially monstrous damages that require your attention.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

If you’re anything like me, you look forward to the cooler seasons of the year — a break from the heat and a little kiss on your nose from the chill is welcome. However, once that first cold morning hits, you often wish those days of humidity and heat were back with a passion. Here are a number of tactics to help you survive the cold and keep your toes warm in your mobile home this winter.

• Reinsulate Your Walls

  Energy bills can be high in the winter. Since some mobile homes lack enough insulation, you can keep your costs low by reinsulating your walls. Purchase some thick insulation from your favorite home store and DIY like crazy.

• Caulk

  Consider re-caulking and weather stripping the cracks and crevices around openings in your mobile home to decrease the air flow entering your cozy space.

• Unplug Electronics

  When you aren’t using an item, unplug it! We use more electricity powering our dormant electronics than during use. These savings can be applied toward your winter energy costs.

• Let Sunlight In

  This form of heat is free, so when the sun is shining, make sure you open every blind and let that natural heat enter your space!

• Invest in Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

  Consider investing in energy-efficient window treatments to keep the cold out and the heat in. A range of energy-efficient window treatments can be found here.

• Use Ceiling Fans

  While this may sound contradictory to the objective, running your ceiling fan will actually increase air flow and push the heat that has risen back down to your level.

Button up your coat and your home, and you’ll find the chilly months of the year can be truly enjoyable.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group

Informed buyers save money and avoid last minute hassles. Use this checklist to help you search for, find and buy a new manufactured home.

 

• Track your credit situation before hunting for a home. Get a copy of your credit report, check it for accuracy and correct any errors.
• Determine how much you can afford to spend for a new manufactured home. Use our mortgage calculator to figure out this amount.
• Look at your total financial picture before making any home buying decision.
• Make a written list of your housing needs and wants to help you decide on the type of manufactured home that best fits your budget.
• Take an active role, ask questions and negotiate your best deal before signing a home buying contract.
• Review home warranties and what they will protect.
• Compare and secure insurance for the mobile home. Since insurance is a long-term expense, getting the best value gives you savings that continue. Foremost is a national leader in insurance for mobile homes.
• Secure final loan approval and commitment from your lending institution.
• If possible, inspect your new manufactured home before closing and settlement. Check over the frame, walls, roof, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, storage, furniture, floors, and ceiling.

How To Trim Your Budget

Ready for a new manufactured home, but want to have a bigger nest egg before you buy? One of the best ways to save money is to cut everyday expenses. Here are a few ideas to help you trim your budget.

• Pay off your credit card debt as soon as possible or switch to a less expensive card. Try not to charge anything you can’t pay off at the end of the month.
• Write down everything you spend. After two weeks you may be surprised to see how much money is spent on items you don’t really need.
• Do business with a bank that has convenient ATMs located close to your home or work to avoid extra charges for each withdrawal.
• Keep your checkbook and other accounts balanced so you will know how much money you have and where it is. This is another way to avoid bank charges.
• Consider buying your next car rather than leasing it. Buying is almost always a better investment than leasing. So is buying a used car instead of a new one.
• Lower your energy bill by raising your air conditioning in the summer and lowering your heat in the winter. This simple action can save hundreds of dollars every year.
• Give up smoking or cut back. You’ll save about $4 for every pack you don’t buy. As a non-smoker you will also be eligible for lower health and homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Get a quote today!

Call or text 318-336-5203 or email at pattie@reedinsla.com

Pattie Jones, CISR

*Content provided by Foremost Insurance Group